Showplace hickory combined with thoughtful design creates warm elegance on a cool budget. Hickory is most often considered a good choice for rustic settings. But this versatile and roomy design demonstrates that hickory can also express dignity and warmth. And since hickory is one of our lowest-priced woods, it is dignity on a budget.

The Covington door style is a timeless classic, and the rich Merlot finish mutes hickory's natural variations while projecting comfort and elegance. When finished in Merlot, hickory is sometimes mistaken for much higher-priced cherry.

The design of the kitchen is basically a wide galley with the added convenience and utility of a short peninsula. The peninsula also serves to delineate the kitchen from the adjacent dining area. Variations in cabinet heights and depths add visual appeal, and keep the design from becoming too uniform. A display cabinet with glass doors adds an element of reflective beauty.

Stainless appliances contribute to the upscale look, and offer nice contrast to the rich, warm tones of the cabinetry. Economical laminate tops were selected to harmonize with the flooring, while muted green tones bring a touch of comfortable charm to the creation.

Laminate counters, mid-level appliances and minimal ornamentations all work to keep costs down. Yet with thoughtful design and Showplace hickory, the results can still look like a million bucks.

The vanity in the small entry bath just off the kitchen and dining areas demonstrates how hickory's flowing color and grain patterns are muted by the darker finish, but still visible.